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T E, I B U T E 


A 


GOOD MAN. 







EXTRACT 

FROM 

A SERMON 

DELIVERED AT THE 

BULFINCH-STREET CHURCH, BOSTON, 

, , , ^ Jan. 9, 1853, 

THE SUNDAY FOLLOWING Ttlt/ iNTFiiV.ffJ^NJb'. V 
' OV- Tflft ^Jtx£ ',*',,'.•', 

AMOS LAWRENCE. 



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BY REV. F. T. GRAY. 



BOSTON ; 

JOHN WILSON & SON. 
1853. 






IN EXCHANGIj^ 



THE FOLLOWING PAGES 
J^cspcctfullj BerricateU 

TO THE 

FAMILY AND KINDRED OF THE LATE LAMENTED 

AMOS LAWRENCE, 

BY ONE WHO WOULD OFFER A GRATEFUL TRIBUTE TO THE 

MEMORY OP HIM WHO SO WELL DESERVED 

THE EXALTED TITLE 

OF THE 

39oor Jean's €f)ristian jFrientt. 



The text of the Sermon, from -which the following extract was 
taken, was the seventh verse of the second chapter of Paul's 
Second Epistle to Timothy : " Consider what I say; and the Lord 
give thee understanding in all things." 

After contrasting the views and maxims of the Avorldly- 
minded with those of the Christian, and stating the claims of the 
Young Men's Christian Union, the Discourse closed Avith the fol- 
lowing tribute to the character and memory of one who was the 
early patron and devoted friend of that Society. 



THE G'OOD MAN. 



Among the warmest friends of the Young Men's 
Christian Union was one, whose departure from 
among us this community has recently been called 
to mourn, — one who was beloved by all Avho knew 
him ; whose wide, expansive benevolence and Chris- 
tian charity won the admiration of those of every 
name and sect; who so truly loved the Saviour, 
and was so truly baptized into his spirit, the spirit 
of divine and heavenly love, that he became through 
it his blessed messenger ; so that all rejoiced who 
came within his influence, as " he went about doing 
good," ready to take each believer by the hand, say- 
ing, " One is our master, even Christ, and all ye are 
brethren." 

As we saw him on his errands of mercy, just on 
the verge of threescore years and ten, how, as liis 
benignant smile beamed upon us, did he remind us 
of " the disciple Jesus loved ; " who, when so feeble 



6 



from the infirmities of age, could only say, in 
addressing the j^eoj^le, "Little children, love one 
another " ! That 'smile, shadowing forth a hajDpy 
Christian sj^irit Mdthin, was a benediction indeed, 
when it beamed upon us ! May it prove an incen- 
tive to us, to show our love to God in our love to 
man, which was the whole tenor of his example ; 
remembering that " by this shall all men know that 
ye are my disciples," not in any name ye may adopt, 
or church ye may join, but " in your love one toward 
another." 

Long has it been my privilege to know this good 
man. Li a letter to me a few days before his 
death, he signed himself " A friend of long years 
past." Yes! he was an old friend to me, and, as 
I well know, a long-tried friend to the poor, the for- 
saken, and suffering, as he was also a friend to those 
" whom the Saviour took in his arms and blessed ; " 
for he was always ready and rejoiced to do what 
he could, that the lambs of the flock and the chil- 
dren of the destitute might be instructed from the 
Word of God, " and made wise unto everlasting 
life." 

This love w^as seen not merely in kind words and 
good thoughts, but in benevolent action : he was an 
active Christian. How did my young heart feel this 



twenty-five years ago, when among a little band of 
Sabbath-scliool teachers who were laboring at the 
northerly section of our city, instructing the chil- 
dren of the less-favored and the poor; at a time 
when our hearts were sad, and almost discouraged ; 
when we were endeavoring to awaken a deeper and 
wider interest, by inviting the parents and friends 
to come in and see us. How cheerfully, at our invi- 
tation, did he come to the first examination of the 
school, and encourage us by his presence, his words, 
and his gifts; and when those little ones, many 
from the abodes of poverty and want, repeated their 
sweet hymns, how did the tears course down that 
good man's cheeks, causing him to say, as he pressed 
my hand, " This is a beautiful sight, and one I can- 
not witness without tears " ! 

Never shall I forget those words, nor the thoughts 
which at that time they suggested. Is there any 
thing more delightful (such was our thought) than 
to witness a man engaged in a large and extensive 
business, a man of wealth and influence, coming 
down and mingling freely and kindly with a band 
of humble Sunday-school teachers, — an act inspiring 
them with new courage and hope, at a moment 
when, from the cold indifference and opposition then 
existing towards these institutions, both heart and 



8 



hope had begun to fail us, and the school itself was 
well nigh being closed. If he had done nothing 
else, this humble Christian act should be a stand- 
ing monument to his memory ; for it was from this 
school, thus encouraged and sustained, that arose 
one of the noblest charities that has ever blessed 
the world, — the Ministry at Large. 

The interest this good man took in children was 
constantly manifested, and continued to the last. 
Never was he hapj^ier than when surrounded by 
them. There are some among you who may re- 
member seeing him here at the anniversary celebra- 
tion of our Sunday-school, some three years since. 
After he had sat for a little time in this pulpit, 
and gazed at the interesting sight of so many chil- 
dren gathered before him, and listened to their sweet 
voices, alternately mingling with those of the orphan 
and the blind who were on each side of him, he 
said to me, his eyes filled with tears, " This is hea- 
venly ; but I must leave you ; it is more, I fear, than 
I can bear, for you know I am a minute man." 

This active Christian spirit of love was witnessed 
by me also last summer, when that sad disaster 
occurred by which so many lives were lost on board 
the ill-fated steamboat, the " Henry Clay ; " which 
you may remember was particularly alluded to from 



this place on the following sabbath. On reading 
that sermon, which was afterwards published, our 
departed friend immediately called on me and de- 
sii'ed its circulation, with the earnest request that a 
memorial to Congress might be prepared at once and 
forwarded. When others were seeking and en- 
joying the sea-breeze and a purer air m the country, 
this good man, notwithstanding the heat then so 
oppressive, was engaged in going round, speaking on 
the subject to the most influential, obtaining their 
approval ; and, though all were saying, " It Avill 
avail little, and do no good," still did he persevere, 
unchanged in purpose. At the same time he wrote 
personally to different individuals at "Washington, 
preparing them for the memorial, which soon after 
followed ; when the law relating to steamboats, which 
had cost so much labor in preparation, but which 
had been lying on the table for months untouched, 
was at once taken up and passed. The energy, 
activity, and perseverance which this good man then 
manifested, while so many others were indifferent 
to the matter, will never be forgotten. 

And now perhaps the young among us may in- 
quire, Who was this man, and whence arose those 
traits of character which caused him to be so uni- 
versally beloved and lamentecl ? I answer, that he 



10 



came to this city, many years since, a poor young 
man. It so happened that he remained longer than 
he at first purposed; for he designed only a visit 
mtending to return again to his home. He attended 
* Jon venerable church soon after he came hither, 
and heard the eloquent and gifted Buckminster. At 
once he selected him as his minister, and that as 
h.s church, and ever after was present, morning and 
afternoon, when his health permitted. He listened, 
and welcomed to his heart the blessed teachings of 
Jesus Christ, and made it his aim to be his follower, 
and to "do good as he had opportunity." As this 
was his great endeavor, his delight was in the law 
of the Lord, and daily at his fireside the mornin" 
and evening incense of prayer rose to heaven. 

Mr. Lawrence was a religious man in every sense 
of the word, dedicating his time and wealth to the ser- 
vice of God, and the good of his fellow-men : hence 
he was " not slothful in business, but fervent in spirit 
serving the Lord." He loved the sanctuary, and 
Its very dust was sacred to him. He visited the 
distressed, and it was his delight to distribute the 
gifts laid upon the altar for the poor, personally, to 
the members of the household of faith. 

If you would know the origin of all that he did, ' 
which blessed so many hearts, which made him the' 



11 



friend of the widow and" tlie orplian, and a father to 
those who had none to help, — why it is that all 
around us the tears of sorrow are shed, — that 
every one feels that the community has sustained 
a severe loss, and that the poor and suffering are 
bereft of a benefactor and friend, — you must trace 
it to its true source, and say that he was a religious 
man and true Christian, and that he simply car- 
ried out and exemplified the holy principles of the 
gospel. This was its source. In this his benevo- 
lence and world-wide charity had their origin. It 
was this, young*men, which makes his memory so 
precious, his name so dear, and will long embalm 
him sacredly in the grateful hearts of hundreds of 
the sorrowing children of men, who will bedew his 
grave with tears, and rise up hereafter and call him 
blessed. What power did religion impart to this 
benefactor of his race ! What influence did it en- 
able him to exert with the talent entrusted to his 
care! 

Bring now before your minds this poor young 
man going to that house of God, more than forty 
years ago. He was unknown, a stranger among 
strangers, seeing around him there the most dis- 
tinguished men in the Commonwealth assembled in 
worship. He hears the word, and is impressed. 



12 



He resolves to follow out the instruction received, 
and, in imitation of liis Master, to devote himself to 
doing good to his fellow-men. Forty years and 
over found him faithfully going up to that temple, 
enjoying its privileges, and gratefully improving 
its services and rites ; till at last, when the sum- 
mons came, his sj^irit, all ready and prepared, gently 
passed to its heavenly home! And who would 
wish to call him back, that saw the smile on his 
countenance when within a day's journey of the 
tomb, which seemed to have received new radiance 
from the spirit-world, upon which he was so soon to 
enter ? Oh, well might we then have said, — 

"Mark but the radiance of his eye; 
The smile upon his wasted cheek: 
They tell us of his glory nigh. 

In language that no tongue can speak." 

How little did this jDOor young man think, when 
he first entered that church, that by fidelity to the 
truths of Jesus Christ there proclaimed, when he 
should pass from earth, grateful hearts, true and 
sincere mourners, would go up thither, and throng 
its very aisles, that they might mingle their tears, 
and pay their last tribute of respect to him, their 
true benefactor and Christian friend! Yet so it 
was, and as beautiful as it was a striking testimony 



13 



from the community to the excellence and worth 
of a humble, benevolent, and sincere Christian. 

Well might the merchant, and those in his em- 
ploy, cease on such an occasion from their labors, 
and go up to the house of prayer; and well that 
those who were Judges should cause silence to reign 
in their halls, as they and the great men of the 
land went up also to that house of mourning ; for 
such a life as had just closed on earth was a bless- 
ing to this whole community ; and God should be 
gratefully remembered in his temple, for the gift of 
such a Christian example and character. 

And it was as beautifully appropriate as it was 
inexpressibly touching, to witness children gather 
round his mortal remains, and take their last look 
in his " Father's House," which he had loved so 
much ; and, as they strewed beautiful flowers upon 
his lifeless form, that they should sing their sweet 
f.irewell hymn, " We have lost a father." Well, too, 
was it that ministers of the different denominations 
should unite in the last services at this good man's 
funeral.* 

How little did he think, years ago, when he first 
entered that time-hallowed sanctuary, that that 
would be the last earthly dwelling from whence he 

* Rev. Dr. Sharp, Ker. Dr. Lothrop, and Rev. Dr. Hopkins. 



14 



would be borne as he passed to the grave ; that the 
plaintive notes of that richly-toned organ, which 
had so often uplifted the spirit of the sainted Buck- 
minster, would softly breathe his last requiem ; and 
that the funeral toll of that solemn bell would call 
more of the sorrowing and mourning for him thither 
than could be gathered within its walls ! Yet so it 
was, — a touching tribute to a good man and be- 
loved Christian. 

Oh! may that beautiful character inspire every 
young man with the holy resolve and purpose to 
live a Christian life, — to be governed by Christian 
principles, and the word of God; assured, that in 
every act of kindness and beneficence he shall in no 
wise lose his reward, and that the memory of the 
good man and the Christian will be blessed and 
faithfully cherished in the hearts of children's chil- 
dren. 

" Go, spirit of the sainted dead ! 

Go to thy longed-for happy home; 
The tears of man are o'er thee shed, 

The voice of angels bids thee come. 
Though earth may boast one gem the less, 

May not e'en heaven the richer be 1 
Oh ! may v?e on thy footsteps press. 

To share thy blest eternity." 



15 



WE HAVE LOST A FATHER. 

The following original hymn by Josiah A. Stearns, Esq., was 
sung at the obsequies, Jan. 4th, by a choir of young girls from 
the " Lawrence Association of the Mather School," while surround- 
ing the last earthly remains of their deceased friend. 



Tune — " Home again.''' * 

. He has gone — he has gone — 

To his spirit-home ; 
And, oh ! it thrills his soul with joy, 

In realms of bliss to roam. 
But we must shed the burning tear 

To part with him we love ; 
And now for us the world is gloom, 

Since he has gone above. 
He has gone — he has gone — 

To his spirit-home ; 
And, oh ! it thrills his soul with joy, . 

In realms of bliss to roam. 

Weeping eyes — broken hearts — 

Oft he bid rejoice ; 
And homes of woe were full of praise, 

That heard his loving voice : 
For oft he soothed poor sorrow's tear. 

And wept when they were sad ; 
And many were the orphan-forms 

His generous bounty clad. 

* Home Again " was sung in hearing of Mr. Lawrence by the 
children on his last visit to their school, when he was accom- 
panied by Gen. Franklin Pierce. 



16 



Weeping eyes — broken hearts — 

Oft he did rejoice ; 
And homes of woe were full of praise, 

That heard his loving voice. 

Gentle words — heavenly thoughts — 

Linger where he trod : 
And, oh ! it was our childhood's charm 

To hear him talk of God. 
Then let us ever strive to live, 

As he, our friend, has done ; 
That we may reach the happy life 

Which he has now begun. 
Gentle words — heavenly thoughts — 

Linger where he trod ; 
And, oh ! it was our childhood's charm 

To hear him talk of God. 

Fare thee well — fare thee well ! 

We around thee weep ; 
But, oh ! we love thee, father, still. 

And angels guard thy sleep. 
The kind " old oak " for us no more 

Shall sheltering branches spread ; 
And, oh ! our hearts are wrung with grief. 

For he we loved is dead. 
Fare thee well — fare thee well ! 

We around thee weep ; 
But, oh ! we love thee, father, still. 

And angels guard thy sleep. 



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